+++ Bundespolitik +++: Umwelthilfe plant Verfassungsbeschwerde gegen Heizungsgesetz

In recent figures, the number of deportations has surpassed the value of the first half of 2024, with approximately 9,500 people being removed, according to earlier reports. The number of deportations has been increasing over recent years, with around 22,800 people being expelled in the entire year of 2025, up from more than 20,000 in the previous year, around 16,400 in 2023, and just under 13,000 in 2022.

CSU leader Markus Söder believes Jens Spahn's return to a political leadership role is still possible. Following the special session of the Union faction, Söder stated that Spahn's political path was not yet over. Spahn had resigned after facing sharp criticism for a surrogate motherhood in the USA. His resignation triggered a larger personnel shuffle in the government and CDU.

Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz has no plans for further changes beyond necessary replacements in the federal government and party, he said after a special session of the Union faction. The current makeup of the government is right to tackle the challenges of the next two and a half years together, he added. In his view, there are no considerations for further personnel changes.

Merz had used Spahn's resignation as a reason for a cabinet reshuffle, primarily due to the way Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder was dismissed. Merz is still seeking a new Minister for Sport in the Chancellery. Who it will be remains to be seen. The CDU must also replace its current treasurer post after the promotion of Franziska Hoppermann to General Secretary.

The faction needs a new Parliamentary Business Manager following the departure of Steffen Bilger, who became the new Transport Minister.